I honestly am not too comfortable writing about a cooking event in this searing summer heat. With the rising temperatures, you should be reading and dreaming about soaking in the beach, refreshing halo-halo and other icy delights. People with extra dough in their pockets could probably even be tempted to fly off to cooler places like Tokyo or New Zealand.
Consequently, you might understand my vacillation when dear friend Reimon Gutierrez proposed a cooking demo activity in their five-hectare organic farm in Prado, Lubao, Pampanga. Because of my hesitation, Reimon accused me of being “ pakipot na parang babae.” “Who would want to cook in this heat?” I retorted. Cooking and eating count among my greatest passions, but I try my best to avoid a hot and steaming kitchen this time of the year.
The fact that it is a fund-raising activity for the education of the Prado Community Children finally convinced me to brave the heat. The center seeks to develop each child’s multiple intelligences by identifying each individual’s abilities and honing these talents. Reimon is a firm believer that all of us adults need to work together for a well-rounded, happy and creative next generation. His enthusiasm convinced me to do my share. I relented, “I’ll do it only if you’ll meet my conditions. I need a well- ventilated kitchen with a high ceiling and I will only cook and eat in an air- conditioned hall.” When Reimon gave me a reluctant yes, I decided to push my luck. “I need a thousand staff to assist me.” Of course, Reimon put his foot down and I won’t be getting that.
Thus, I invite everybody to join the activity, be charitable and learn from the cooking gurus at the same time. Poch Jorolan of Everybody’s Café and Butchie Narciso of La Moderna Bakery, Doren Tayag of Upper Crust (Pastillas de Leche Cheesecake fame) will share recipes of traditional favorites and I will contribute my duck recipes.
Banayan Café & Deli will give a sample of its healthy, organic biodynamic and nutrient-rich products, while Al Purugannan of KKK known for its paper-thin liempo will give guests a delightful experience of savory Pinoy cuisine. JV Manalansan of Lubao’s Pride Duck, Gilbert Pangilinan of Nobu and Kai will also participate.
But the activity is not solely about food. “ Ang Kusang Loob ni Kiko”, a play on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, written by Chester Ocampo with musical score by Rowell Cruz, will be performed by kids from the Prado community and the Casa Miani orphanage. The upcoming musical theater group Arti Sta. Rita will render an all-Kapampangan repertoire and the classical trio called Serenada will also perform. Those who enjoy upbeat sound will enjoy the ethnic beat of DrumJam.
In addition, the country’s top designers and artists like Impy Pilapil, Dulzzi Gutierrez, Tony Gonzales, Milo Naval, Al Caronan, Tes Pasola, and Renato Vidal will exhibit their works.
Other activities include arts and crafts workshops for kids and teenagers by Steiner/Waldorf-trained teachers or workshops on parenting, organic biodynamic farming. One can enjoy the Spa, Health and Wellness section, or find interesting items in the bazaar.
Victor and Amada Gutierrrez, Reimon’s wonderful parents, give their full support to the activity. Although their farm was originally meant as a venue for marriage encounter and Couples for Christ events, it is also often used for spiritual retreats, meditation seminars, and art workshops. From rentals, the farm helps fund scholarships for children from around the area. The farm is also a safe venue for a Saturday play and activity program for kids from the highway.
The Mangan-Yaman Prado Festival is from May 1-4, and tickets start at P500. For inquiries and bookings, call Tony Velasco at 0919-5988572 or Joel Castro 0918-6096664